Description
A refreshing and healthy lentil salad featuring tender French green lentils mixed with fresh diced vegetables, fragrant herbs, and topped with creamy goat cheese. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish, this salad combines wholesome ingredients with a tangy lemon and Dijon mustard dressing for a delightful balance of flavors.
Ingredients
Lentils and Broth
- 1 cup French green lentils (or common brown or green lentils)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 large carrot, finely diced
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Dressing
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from one lemon)
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (best quality such as Lucini or Colavita)
Topping
- 3 ounces goat cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly and remove any debris. In a medium saucepan, combine lentils, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender—25 to 30 minutes for French green lentils or 20 to 25 minutes for brown or green lentils. Remove bay leaf, strain lentils, and allow them to cool for at least 10 minutes.
- Make Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the finely diced carrot, celery, thyme, parsley, and minced garlic. Add Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix well to create the dressing and vegetable base.
- Combine and Toss: Add the cooled lentils to the bowl with the vegetables and dressing. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Transfer the lentil salad to a serving dish and crumble goat cheese evenly over the top. Serve immediately or chilled according to preference.
Notes
- Allow at least 10 minutes for the lentils to cool before combining with other ingredients to prevent wilting of fresh herbs and vegetables.
- French green lentils hold their shape better and have a slightly nuttier flavor, but brown or green lentils are acceptable substitutes.
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated; add goat cheese just before serving to maintain texture.
- For a vegan version, omit the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
